~ I propose to you that…

Is Gambit in trouble?

Sometime next year it has been said that the X-men spin-off film from Fox, Gambit, will be released. Though the character is more than worthy of some attention, I don’t think this is the kind that he needs right now. I personally see the Gambit movie failing badly and i’m not sure that there’s anything that can be done at this stage to save it. So, we’re doing another “Ups and Downs” today except this one will steer far more towards the latter.

Ups

First of all, Gambit is a super interesting character. His past is full of heartbreak and tragedy and his morals are flexible, making him more more interesting than, say, Captain America. I also think that Channing Tatum is a good choice for the role and he seems more enthusiastic than most comic book movie actors. Doug Liman, however, may be the saving grace of this movie. He’s made some spectacular action films in the past, including Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow (Live, Die, Repeat). However, no matter how talented the cast and director are, I’m not sure this movie can be saved.

Downs

Here’s the part that’s not sitting too well with me. To start, it’s written by the guy who wrote the 2014 Robocop reboot which isn’t a terrible movie at first glance, but beneath it is the worst type of movie that gets made today. Unnecessary and Safe. They took no risks and it wasn’t anything to be proud of in the end. Do we really want a safe movie with a character as cool and unpredictable as Gambit? Speaking of the character, he doesn’t really fit the universe. Gambit is so radical, extreme 90’s that putting him on screen could turn out laughable. Maybe it’s the head gear, maybe it’s the metal gauntlets and knee pads, maybe it’s his blacked out eyes, but there is going to need to be a redesign that is both faithful to the character and acceptable for the screen. Fox is notorious for not letting their heroes wear comic accurate suits and most fans are starting to get a bit upset about that with Marvel studios managing to make it work every time. Speaking of Fox, they have a pretty awful track record with their comic book movies. Most of the X-men stuff is pretty great, with the exception of The Last Stand and X-men Origins, but everything else has been between lackluster and terrible. Elektra, all Fantastic Four movies, Daredevil 2003, and most of the Punisher movies. Why are we trusting them with more solo, non X-men movies when those monstrosities are on their record? Also, as much as I like Channing Tatum, his nostalgia and fanboy attitude might blind him from seeing a flawed and generic script.

It’s all yet to be seen and a lot of my opinion on the matter may change when Deadpool comes out. Until then, we can’t know for sure. It’s already been pushed back a year as well so that’s never a good sign. Who knows? Maybe it’ll be the best comic book movie ever made. If you liked this then slap your email in the follow box and leave a comment on how you agree or how i’m completely wrong, or whatever. Cheers guys.